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How to Avoid Back Surgery – San Diego, CA

How to Avoid Back Surgery – San Diego, CA

If you are dealing with:

  • severe low back pain
  • sciatica
  • a herniated disc
  • numbness or tingling
  • burning leg pain
  • pain while sitting, standing, or walking

…and someone has told you that surgery may be your next step…

you are not alone.

One of the most common questions patients ask is:

“Is there ANY way to avoid back surgery?”

The answer is:

👉 sometimes yes
👉 sometimes no

—but the biggest mistake is making that decision without a proper evaluation focused on the disc and nerve.

In many cases, the underlying issue is not just muscles or joints…

👉 it is pressure within the spinal disc and irritation of nearby nerves

Real Patient Experience – Avoiding Surgery After 10 Years of Pain

“For the first time in 10 years, I am totally pain free. My sciatica is gone and I have no more back pain! I've tried other chiropractic procedures, acupuncture, pain killing drugs, and other type therapies that just did not work. I was one step before back surgery, until I discovered Dr. Boelk's therapy and his procedure, and it's a miracle! My office visits were always so relaxing and comfortable, there was never any pain involved with the therapy. Dr. Boelk and Patty are so welcoming and warm and ready to explain everything that's going on. They both take such good care of you! Thank you Dr. Boelk and Patty!”

— Toni H., San Diego, CA

No-Charge Sciatica & Disc Consultation – San Diego, CA

If you are trying to avoid:

  • back surgery
  • disc surgery
  • spinal fusion
  • injections

the first step is finding out if you are a candidate.

The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123

📞 Office: 619-298-0800
📱 Call/Text: 619-884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com

✔ No-Charge Sciatica & Disc Consultation
✔ 24/7 answering service
✔ Hablamos Español

Why So Many People Are Told They “Need Surgery”

Most patients who come to our office have already:

  • tried physical therapy
  • tried chiropractic adjustments
  • tried massage therapy
  • tried injections
  • tried medications
  • seen multiple specialists

Yet they are still in pain.

The reason?

Many treatments focus on:

👉 muscles
👉 joints

…but do not fully address disc pressure and nerve irritation, which are often the true source of the problem.

What’s Actually Causing the Pain?

Many cases of severe low back pain and sciatica involve:

  • herniated discs
  • disc bulges
  • degenerative disc disease
  • annular tears
  • nerve compression

These conditions may create:

  • burning pain down the leg
  • numbness or tingling
  • pain when sitting
  • pain when standing
  • difficulty walking
  • weakness

If the disc and nerve are not properly addressed, symptoms often continue—or worsen.

How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Treatment Works

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) is designed to reduce intradiscal pressure (pressure inside the disc).

When applied correctly, this may:

  • reduce pressure on irritated nerves
  • help reposition disc material
  • improve spacing between vertebrae
  • support fluid and nutrient movement into the disc

Research has shown decompression-based treatment may be associated with:

  • increased disc height
  • reduced nerve compression
  • improved pain and function in selected patients

👉 However, outcomes depend on:

  • proper patient selection
  • correct protocol
  • provider experience

👉 The machine alone does NOT determine the outcome.

Why Proper Evaluation Matters

Before starting treatment, Dr. Cassidy Boelk DC may perform:

  • detailed movement assessment
  • orthopedic and neurological testing
  • MRI review (if available)
  • standing flexion and extension motion X-rays

These motion X-rays help evaluate:

  • spinal stability
  • movement patterns
  • whether decompression is appropriate

👉 Not every patient is a candidate—and this step is critical.

Treatment Protocols Are NOT Static

One of the biggest differences in our office is:

👉 treatment is not fixed

Each patient’s treatment is adjusted based on:

  • symptom changes
  • patient tolerance
  • muscle guarding
  • response to treatment

👉 Protocols may change from visit to visit to improve outcomes.

What Makes Our Approach Different

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) is NOT the same as basic traction.

At our office, Dr. Boelk exclusively uses the DRX9000.

We currently utilize:

  • Four lumbar DRX9000 units
  • Three cervical DRX9000 units

making this one of the largest spinal decompression facilities in California.

Treatment is customized based on:

  • MRI findings
  • disc level involved
  • symptom location
  • angle of pull
  • patient positioning
  • treatment duration
  • spinal stability

👉 This level of precision is critical for results.

Real Patient Experience – Severe Sciatica Without Surgery

“Dr. Boelk has been a life saver. Have had constant lower back and sciatica pain for over 8 plus months, no pills helped and on track for multiple shots but with the treatment given I have found relief and down to zero pain. As a firefighter that relies on his body to help others and the results I have experienced it's totally worth looking into what Dr. Boelk can do for you.”

— Joshua T., San Diego, CA

Why Passive Treatment Alone Is Not Enough

Even when disc pressure is reduced, long-term success depends on:

  • core stability
  • hip mobility
  • posture correction
  • strengthening weak areas
  • improving movement patterns

That is why Dr. Boelk combines:

👉 spinal decompression (passive)
👉 with targeted rehabilitation (active)

Real Patient Experience – When Other Treatments Failed

“Dr Boelk is highly knowledgeable and has made a difference in my life. I have a degenerative bone issue in my lower back. Spinal decompression is the only way that gives me relief all the way to my feet. I highly recommend the Spinal Decompression center.”

— Dee M., Peoria, AZ

Not Everyone Can Avoid Surgery

This is extremely important.

👉 Not all patients qualify for decompression treatment.

Some patients:

  • do require surgery
  • are not candidates for decompression
  • need additional medical intervention

Real Patient Experience – When Surgery Was Necessary

“I found this terrific practice on social media. I followed up and did my own research so I decided to pay them a visit. The place is clean, well organized and run by a very efficient receptionist. I met with the doctor and after a honest and forthright conversation, we both determined that surgery was my only option to correct my back issues. I will return as a customer when the time is right.”

— Jeff J., Tucson, AZ

Patients Travel to Avoid Surgery

Patients regularly travel from:

  • Arizona
  • Nevada
  • Alaska
  • Mexico

seeking Dr. Boelk’s expertise.

Real Patient Experience – Traveling to Avoid Surgery

“My name is Ira Smith. I live in Las Vegas and found out about Dr. Boelk’s program here in San Diego and decided to start treatments with him. I’ve had lower back problems since I was very young. I had aggravated my lower back pretty bad again and usually I could do exercises, chiropractic treatment, rest and this time those things would no longer relieve my pain. I would get the sciatic pain shooting down into my leg and foot and would be pretty bad.

I found out thru my MRI’s that Dr. Boelk went over with me that I had 5 protruding discs. I did not want to get surgery as I have heard and seen that they don’t always work very well at all. I am 2/3 of the way done with Dr. Boelk’s program and I have zero pain. I pretty much go thru my activities with no pain. As I follow the program it has been absolutely fantastic! This is the place to start.”

— Ira Smith, Las Vegas, NV

What You Can Do At Home

Supported Extension Position

  • Lie face down
  • Prop onto your forearms
  • Relax your hips
  • Hold for 1–2 minutes

Reduce Sitting Time

  • Stand every 20–30 minutes
  • Avoid slouched posture

👉 If symptoms worsen, stop.

Start With the Right First Step

If you are trying to avoid back surgery, the most important step is not guessing…

👉 it’s getting the right evaluation.

Schedule a No-Charge Sciatica & Disc Consultation – San Diego, CA

Dr. Cassidy Boelk DC is:

  • Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
  • Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
  • Founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy
  • Founding Member of the American Spinal Decompression Society
  • California X-Ray Radiology Licensed Doctor
  • Member of the International Disc Education Association
  • Has over 20 years of experience utilizing spinal decompression treatment
  • Has performed over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments

The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123

📞 Office: 619-298-0800
📱 Call/Text: 619-884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com

✔ No-Charge Sciatica & Disc Consultation
✔ 24/7 answering service
✔ Hablamos Español

Important:
Regardless of referral source—including orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, chiropractors, physical therapists, or other healthcare providers—all patients are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis so adequate time can be given to determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for treatment.

 

Get Fast Pain Relief Now

Schedule a Complimentary, No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultation or to submit a question, simply fill out the form to the right and click submit.

(619) 298-0800